A SPORTSMANS PRAYER

I THANK GOD FOR THE JOY I GET FROM SPORT

ON THE PITCH OR TABLE, GREEN OR COURT,

FOR THE GIFTS OF STRENGTH, SKILL AND SPEED,

FOR THE STAMINA, AGILITY AND TOUCH I NEED,

FOR THE OPPORTUNITIES TO MEET NEW FRIENDS,

TO HEAL PAST DIVISIONS AND TO MAKE AMENDS.

PLEASE GRANT THAT I WILL NEVER YIELD

TO TEMPTATION TO CHEAT ON OR OFF THE FIELD.

NO MATTER WHICH SPORT I CHOOSE TO PLAY,

I PRAY THAT I MAY NEVER FORGET

THAT I AM FOREVER IN YOUR DEBT

FOR THE TALENT YOU GAVE ME FOR THE GAME,

 IN MY SPORTSMANSHIP I WILL PRAISE YOUR NAME.